Study Guide and Open Forum on Physician-Assisted Suicide

UPDATE, Oct. 11: Pawtucket Congregational Church in Lowell is also hosting a "Compassionate Conversation on the Death with Dignity initiative" (Question 2). It will be facilitated by Rev. Ruth Richards, Pawtucket's pastor, and Rev. Johanna Kiefner, Spiritual Care/Bereavement Coordinator for the Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Lowell Inc. Hospice Program. Read more.

Friends,

On November 6th, 2012 Massachusetts voters will be asked to vote either “yes” or “no” on Ballot Question 2 which is called the “Death With Dignity” question by the proponents of the initiative. The ballot question proposes a change in existing law to allow for terminally ill people to request a physician’s assistance with dying through the prescription of lethal doses of medication.

We know that this is an issue which requires careful thought before entering the voting booth. It is also one where we would benefit from hearing a variety of voices and views. To that end we are sharing with you a study guide “TO WHOM DO WE BELONG?” prepared by two of our pastors the Rev. Susannah Crolius, Interim Minister at South Congregational Church in Springfield and the Rev. Kazimierz Bem minister of First Church of Christ (Congregational) UCC in Marlborough.

Also, what follows is an invitation to a forum sponsored by the First Church in Marlborough. “An Open Forum on Physician-Assisted Suicide.”

First Church in Marlborough
presents
An Open Forum on Physician-Assisted Suicide

An open discussion regarding the upcoming November 6 ballot Question #2 – Prescribing Medication to End Life

First Church of Marlborough

37 High Street

Marlborough, MA

Sunday, October 21
2pm-4pm

Church Hall

Issues surrounding death and dying are not easy to engage in a death-denying culture. First Church in Marlborough Congregational UCC is dedicated to having an open forum on the subject, where people from Marlborough and other towns can gather and be informed. The issue is especially pertinent, as it will come up on the November 6 ballot.

The Forum will have opponents, proponents, and professionals from the medical, hospice and palliative care fields present and answer any questions you might have.

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Permission granted to local churches to copy materials for their own use. Please direct questions or comments about this site to Tiffany Vail